A very good digital handycam for beginners. Review on Sony DCR-TRV30

Life is too fleeting, and its joys too precious, to waste time with anything but the best. Sony's Mini DV DCR-TRV30 digital camcorder is the next peak in DV. Simply the ultimate in still and video image quality available. Editing and sharing your stunning imagery is also made fast and easy by USB, i.LINK (DV in/out) and Memory Stick as well as Internet friendly features like MPEG E-Movie.

Sony DCR-TRV30 camcorder lets you capture life's precious moments with quality and ease. The camera offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3x color bandwidth, and lower signal-to-noise ratio, to provide stunning video performance. Advanced HAD CCD imaging device provides stunning detail and clarity, with exceptional video and still image performance. Capture digital still images at 1360 x 1020 or 640 x 480 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick media for easy transfer to PCs for email, printing, or sharing. Large, detailed still image resolution provides unprecedented detail and exceptional quality that is ideal for printing or Internet applications. Enhanced CCD design allows more light to reach the imager, which reduces video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6dB (2x better than a standard CCD). It is particularly effective when shooting in dark situations. Carl Zeiss lens have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones.Sony's optical zoom brings the action close up from far away. In addition, precision digital zoom interpolation technology means that extreme digital zooming is cleaner, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom. The LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in the viewfinder or LCD screen. Super SteadyShot picture stabilization minimizes high frequency shake and vibration without compromising picture quality. It uses motion sensors and a HyperPrecision CCD imager that does not change or degrade the video. Capture video even when shooting in total darkness (0 lux) using the built-in infrared system up to ten feet (3 m) away. The Super NightShot mode in conjunction with progressive shutter system automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Super LaserLink wireless transmission system allows the user to transmit audio and video. This system eliminates the need for video cables or adapters for true worry-free playback. Intelligent Accessory shoe provides power, on/off, and special operational commands to a variety of Sony Intelligent Accessories via a multi-pin interface.

Full specifications:

Features:

Recording format : Mini DV

LCD Screen Size : 3.5 in

Digital Still Camera : Yes

Self Timer : Yes

Nightvision : Yes

Viewfinder : Color

White Balance : Outdoor, Indoor, Hold, Automatic

Special Effects : Sepia, Mosaic, Stretch

Focus and Zoom:

Optical Zoom :10 X

Digital Zoom : 120 X

Focus : Automatic

Image Stabilization : Digital

Connectors:

IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Connectors 1 x i.LINK (IEEE 1394) ( 4 pin FireWire )

S-Video Connectors 1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN )

USB Connectors Total (Free) 1 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type B )

Other Connectors 1 x DC power input, 1 x headphones ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x Control-L (LANC) ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x microphone ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )

Memory:

Installed Memory: 4 MB

Type of Memory : 1 x 4 MB flash, Memory Stick

Image Quality:

CCD Size : 0.25 in

CCD Quantity : 1 CCD

CCD Resolution : 1550000 Pixels (1.55 Mega)

Accessories & Components:

Remote Control : Standard remote control - infrared

Included Software : MGI PhotoSuite

Power

Power Source : 1 x camcorder battery - rechargeable lithium ion

General:

LUX Rating : 7 lux

Weight : 1.5 lbs

Dimension : 3.75 in x x 6.63 in (HxWxD)